Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Lime are two tactile mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features for different preferences. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion boasts a very light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, combining medium weight with a subtle tactile experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches are lightweight, feature a gentle tactility, and are silenced for a quiet typing experience. While the Foggy Shadow provides a balanced performance with its light tactile bump, the Lime switches cater to those who prefer a feathery light typing experience with a touch of tactility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Lime, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the Foggy Shadow stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound. This could make the Foggy Shadow a preferred choice for those looking for a switch with a distinct audible feedback.
On the other hand, the Outemu Lime features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile like its bottom housing. While the sound may be duller and rounder compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow, the nylon housing material still offers a satisfying typing experience. It is interesting to note how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. Both switches provide a different auditory and tactile experience, catering to varying preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Despite their differences in housing materials, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Lime both aim to provide a pleasant typing experience through their use of quality materials. Whether it be the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow for a sharper and crisper sound, or the nylon housing of the Lime for a deeper and fuller sound, both switches have their unique characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. Regardless, both switches offer a premium typing experience that is sure to satisfy mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch have differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Lime has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. However, the actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is not specified, whereas the Lime requires 35 grams to trigger a keystroke. If we assume that the actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is similar to the bottom out force, then both switches would provide a heavier typing experience compared to the Lime. The weight of the switch is an essential factor to consider, as it can impact how long you can comfortably type or game without fatigue. Lighter switches like the Lime may be preferable for extended use, while heavier switches like the Foggy Shadow may provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The 0.2 mm difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significantly noticeable to most users. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper keypress, the Foggy Shadow with its longer travel distance may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more responsive and quicker keystroke, the Outemu Lime with its slightly shorter travel distance could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer similar performance and feel, with only a slight variation in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Foggy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Foggy Shadow for $3.91.
The Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Foggy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral tone, which provides a mellow sound suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switch also offers a neutral tone but with a muted quality, making it quieter and ideal for those looking for a more subtle typing experience. Both switches are great options for users who prefer a moderate sound profile, with the Lime being the quieter option due to its muted characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Foggy Shadow switch does not have specific descriptors mentioned, while the Outemu Lime switch is known for its mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. This means that the Lime switch provides users with a gentle typing experience that is light to press, comfortable for extended use, and smooth due to its polished finish. The Foggy Shadow, although lacking specific descriptors, can be assumed to provide a balanced and comfortable typing feel based on its medium weight and light tactile bump.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Outemu Lime switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. On the sound front, the Foggy Shadow provides a low-pitched tone while the Lime offers a more muted sound. In terms of feel, the Lime switch stands out for its light and polished typing experience, while the Foggy Shadow likely provides a balanced and comfortable feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer great options for tactile switch enthusiasts, with the choice between a mellow sound or a quieter experience and a light typing feel with a polished finish. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of performance and tactile response from both switches, albeit with slightly different sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Lime tactile switches, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you value a medium-heavy bottom-out force with a light tactile bump and a low-pitched, neutral sound, the Foggy Shadow may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom-out force with a feathery touch of tactility and a neutral, muted sound, the Lime switches might be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in typing feel and sound characteristics.
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